Go Negosyo honors women entrepreneurs

President Duterte said, “I thank Go Negosyo for its effort in providing opportunities for the country’s MSMEs, particularly for women entrepreneurship to expand and improve their business.”

President Rodrigo Duterte led the recognition of the latest batch of our Inspiring Filipina Entrepreneurs in our 10 th Filipina Entrepreneurship Summit last March 6, 2018. Together with former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, we awarded 20 Filipina entrepreneurs who have greatly contributed and excelled in their respective fields. The awarding ceremony was the last part of the summit which is the biggest women negosyo summit of the year and was attended by more than 15,000 participants composed of entrepreneurs, advocates, and students.

Chal Lontoc and Mike Lobrin were the overall hosts of the summit and interviewed some guests from the red carpet entrance.

Presidential Adviser for Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion in his speech said, “Don’t stop dreaming, all you have to do is work hard and continue to be passionate in what you do, and you will succeed. Filipinos were never destined for poverty.”

Tessie Sy-Coson, Vice Chair of SM Investments, shared how she is mentored by her father, Mr. Henry Sy. She shared, “The best mentor is pressure. Of course, we learn from everyone in the organization. It’s true you can learn from everyone but the mentor I really look up to is my father.”

Dr. Vicki Belo, CEO of Belo Medical Group, related her experience in her younger years when she was bullied for her looks which pushed her to pursue her dream in dermatology.

“I think when we talk about scaling up, we need government support and networking. It delivering you product and supporting your product, and allowing the word spread by itself,” Lizzie Eder Zobel, Chairman of Teach for the Philippines.

Natividad Cheng, CEO of Uratex, shared that they started their business with a capital of only 4000.

Celebrity-entrepreneur Anne Curtis appreciated the value of mentorship as she too is being mentored by her business partner. “It’s very important that you find someone who will discipline you, kailangan merong nagguide sayo, it’s very important you find someone in your company that knows what their doing.” She is the co-founder and creative director of the 5-month old start-up enterprise, BLK Cosmetics.

“Mentorship makes a big part of the program. I learned that you didn’t need to wait for the end of your career to help the country. We can matter now upfront,” Clarissa Delgado, co-founder and CEO of Teach for the Philippines.

Merle Paete of Merle’s Pili and Native Products started her business with only P2,000 capital. Now, her product is slowly gaining attraction in the country.

Georgina Wilson was also an awardee of Go Negosyo back in 2016 for their Sunnies Studios. “The fact that we value that open line of communication is what I feel is what keep people connected to the brand.”

Kathleen Yu, Rumarocket – For pioneering an innovative way of people management by combining human wisdom with the accuracy of artificial intelligence through the technology of Rumarocket.

Jeannie Javelosa, Great Women Global Platform – For her firm advocacy for culture and women empowerment, she co-founded GREAT Women and ECHOStore which supported market access for micro and small entrepreneurs and their artisan products.

Maria Francesca Tan, MFT Group of Companies was recognized for her high-spirited drive which led to the development of MFT Group of Companies, a pioneer in providing capital funds to start-ups and helped expand more than 100 business from a range of industries across the globe.

Abdulia Austria, Kadz General Merchandise, UNODUS Tourist Inn was recognized for her admirable community leadership and innovative ideas through her various business ventures such as Kadz General Merchandise and UNODUS Tourist Inn while promoting the tourism of Palawan.

Calungcaguin, Make Peace Bakery, Bakers of Change was recognized for rising to the challenge and becoming the Founder and CEO of the Make Peace Bakery, Bakers of Change, which empowers the Filipino out-of-school youth from depressed communities through the art of baking.

Lydia Codiñera, Samahang Tubig Maynilad Inc. was awarded for answering the calls of service and founded The Samahang Tubig Maynilad Inc., which now serves the entire community with clean and potable water.

Merle Paete, Merle’s Pili and Native Products was recognized for her optimism and perseverance to transform local agricultural material into world class products through Merle’s Pili and Native Products.

Mary Grace Arboleda-Young, Cordillera Coffee was honored for her genuine compassion for the farmer communities brought about their own appreciation for their own crops which led to the flourishing of the Cordillera Coffee.

Amanda Battad, Amanda’s Marine Products was honored for her unrelenting perseverance and admirable efforts in founding Amanda’s Marine Products with the help of the government which has led it to become an established brand and supplier to well-known restaurants.

Zarah Juan, Green Life Eco Bags Inc. was awarded for endeavoring environmental conservation and protection through her fashionable eco-friendly bags and creating an avenue to help the Marikina shoemakers and preserve the dying culture of the T’bolis through Green Life Eco Bags.

Rissa Mananquil-Trillo, Happy Skin was recognized for pioneering a homegrown brand of makeup that caters and cares for the Filipina through Happy Skin which has helped enhanced the beauty and allure of many Filipinas.

Bettina Quimson led the discussion on market access and digital platforms.

Warblitz Martinez, Aqua Peace Farm was recognized for showing her passion with her Aqua Peace farm, she has fulfilled the requirement of their local market with various sea foods such as milkfish and shrimps.

Olivia Puentespina, Malagos Farmhouse was honored for being a conscientious foodie and entrepreneur, she has founded the Malagos Food Inc., the pioneer in the dairy industry in the country.

Felicia Atienza, Alice Eduardo and Karen Davila.

Edelyn Canero, Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts was honored for her tenacity to complete the transition from being a retailer of peanut to manufacturer through the establishment of Edelyn’s Homemade Nuts.

One of the intrapreneur awardees is Marcelina Ace T. Itchon, Aspen Philippines Inc. who is recognized for her keen determination and single-minded focus which led her to rise through the ranks in the pharmaceutical industry. Through her, Aspen Philippines has become a stalwart in the pharmaceutical industry today.

Another intrapreneur awardee is Florencia G. Tarriela, Philippine National Bank who is honored for her tireless dedication and service to the banking and finance industry for more than 40 years, whilst actively advocating environmental protection. She is the devoted chairperson of the Philippine National Bank, and an active mentor promoting sustainable agriculture.

One of the legacy winners is Helen Yuchengco Dee who is the chair of Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. She is honored for her strong sense of leadership; she has steered the success of the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp for more than a decade. Bent on enhancing her father’s legacy, she is known for her unmatched expertise in banking, finance, and management.

To complete the list of awardees, Lourdes Montinola, the chairman emeritus of Far Eastern University is recognized for being a well-published and multi-awarded author and educator of generations. At 90, the current Chair Emeritus of Far Eastern University, she, has remained an inspiring accomplished woman worthy of emulation.